Where to Eat Fried Chicken in San Diego

Published Sep 3, 2015 at 8:55 AM

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The chicken and waffles at The Huddle in Mission Hills, as photographed (and eaten) by Yelp reviewer Lisa W.

Crispy fried chicken can be packed for picnics or placed on top of waffles. Eat it alongside coleslaw or devour it with mashed potatoes.

In San Diego, there are plenty of places to get your hands on this mouthwatering American classic. Our friends at Yelp have compiled this list of local eateries that crisp up poultry in ways that will please any palate that wants to take a peck. Don't forget the napkins.

Richie’s Real American Diner (Temecula)On Wednesdays, order Linda’s Pan-Fried Chicken Special from this Temecula-based diner. It’s served with country gravy, real mashed potatoes, green beans and a buttermilk biscuit with plenty of butter and Linda’s own five-berry jam. You can also order Papa’s Version, dipped in buttermilk, breaded and grilled up alongside all the fixins.

Bonnie Jean’s Soul Food Café (San Diego)Yelp reviewers are obsessed with the chicken and waffles at this authentic Southern-style spot. Definitely add the Honey Pecan Glaze to your dish. If the waffles are to sweet for your taste buds, order your dinner with a side of crinkle cut fries. Bonnie Jean's offers weekly specials and has a solid fan following, so be prepared for a wait. But trust us, this soul food is worth it.

Beach Plum Kitchen (Carlsbad)This option won’t totally ruin your diet: try the Butermilk Fried Chicken Salad made with baby kale, carrots, cucumber, fresh tomatoes on organic greens with a delicious, creamy basil dressing. If a bed of lettuce isn’t your cup of tea, you have the option to get the poultry with home-friend potatoes instead.

Prepkitchen ( Various Locations: Del Mar;La Jolla;Little Italy)
Place your fried chicken on a sandwich and call it a day. Prepkitchen (at all three locations) creates a lunch treat to rave about topped with bread and butter pickles and a lemon thyme aioli. The buttermilk friend chicken is the center stage star between the soft bread. The menu here often changes so get it while it’s hot. This is is a lunch break you don’t want to pass up!

Waypoint Public (North Park)
Another sandwich to savor can be found fried and golden brown at Waypoint Public in North Park. This spot serves crispy chicken on a cheddar biscuit with smoked bacon, arugula, a fried egg and a maple reduction. The craft beer menu is extensive with over 100 bottled beers and 30 taps, so there's surely a perfect pour to pair with your poultry.

The Huddle (Mission Hills)
The Huddle dishes out a generous portion of perfectly fried chicken on top of a golden waffle that is simple and delicious. On the side for some slathering: tasty maple syrup and a homemade apple butter. The casual diner atmosphere makes this joint a place for neighborhood locals.

Trish Sanderson is the community manager and marketing director for Yelp North County San Diego. She leads the local community of Yelp reviewers both online and off.